The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) has issued a warning regarding the ongoing spread of chikungunya across the nation. The regions identified with the highest incidence rates include Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, Villa Clara, and several districts in Havana.
“We have to acknowledge that this disease is circulating in our country. Chikungunya is present,” stated Carilda Peña García, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, during a broadcast on the Buenos Días program, aired by Canal Caribe on Friday.
Regions of Concern and Susceptibility
Although Peña did not provide updated national statistics, she indicated that the areas with the highest incidence align with those that experienced fewer cases during last year’s severe outbreak. “We are talking about Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, Villa Clara, and various areas in Havana,” she elaborated.
The epidemiologist highlighted that many individuals in these regions remain vulnerable to infection as they did not contract the virus during the previous outbreak.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
Peña recalled that the 2025 epidemic was extensive and impacted nearly the entire country. By November of that year, Minsap had acknowledged over 20,000 chikungunya cases amid a widespread arbovirus circulation.
During the same period, statistics from the Pan American Health Organization ranked Cuba as having the highest cumulative chikungunya rate in the Americas, with 20,062 cases reported by early November 2025.
Health Risks and Preventive Measures
One of the most troubling aspects of chikungunya, Peña warned, is its long-lasting effects, particularly joint pain and swelling that can persist post-acute phase. Symptoms to watch for include persistent fever, joint pain, and inflammation. The deputy minister assured that, thanks to past epidemic experiences, healthcare professionals are now better equipped to clinically distinguish this disease from dengue.
The advisory is particularly directed at pregnant women in their final trimester, newborns, young children, and individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups
Peña noted the high likelihood of transmission to newborns if the mother contracts chikungunya close to delivery. She recommended that women residing in outbreak zones or areas with high mosquito infestation be admitted to maternal homes to minimize exposure risk.
Furthermore, she cautioned against resuming exercise or strenuous activities immediately following the acute phase. She recounted instances during the previous wave when young individuals, feeling recovered, resumed physical activities and subsequently suffered complications that resulted in fatalities.
Environmental and Logistical Challenges
The chikungunya spread is occurring within a challenging health landscape. Minsap recently acknowledged obstacles related to water supply, sanitation, waste accumulation, and controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits both chikungunya and dengue.
During the same broadcast, Peña admitted to a "complicated hygiene situation" in heavily affected areas and noted that fumigation efforts are hampered by limited fuel availability, as many equipment rely on diesel or gasoline.
The deputy minister emphasized the importance of eliminating potential breeding sites within homes, safeguarding water storage containers, and maintaining the abate in water tanks.
Additionally, Minsap continues to monitor the dengue situation, which is experiencing a seasonal rise. An analysis released in September revealed its incidence was 7.4 times higher than expected for this period in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chikungunya in Cuba
What regions in Cuba are most affected by chikungunya?
The regions most affected by chikungunya in Cuba include Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, Villa Clara, and several districts in Havana.
Why are certain areas more susceptible to chikungunya?
Certain areas are more susceptible because many individuals did not contract the virus during the last outbreak, leaving a larger population vulnerable to infection.
What are the long-term effects of chikungunya?
Chikungunya can cause prolonged joint pain and inflammation, which may persist even after the acute phase is over.